Pocket billiards, a billiards game that, in its basic form, is played with a white cue ball and 15 consecutively numbered balls on a rectangular table with 6 pockets (one at each corner and one at the midpoints of both longer sides). The dimensions of the table are usually 4 by 8 feet (122 by 244 centimetres) or 4Y2 by 9 feet (137 by 274 centimetres).
To begin play, the 15 object balls are arranged (racked) in a pyramid formation with its apex on a spot near the foot of the table. The first player then stands at the head of the table and drives the cue ball into the formation to break it apart. He is usually required either to pocket a ball or to drive two object balls in addition to the cue ball against the cushions. When a player fails to pocket a ball, his opponent begins play. The first player or side to pocket eight balls wins the round.
After the break shot, a player must designate (call) the ball that he intends to pocket, although in this form of the game he need not indicate the pocket into which the ball will go.

If the ball called is pocketed, any other balls pocketed on that stroke are also credited to the player. If the ball called is not pocketed, any other balls pocketed are replaced on the table; and the player loses his turn,
Penalties of one ball replaced on the table in addition to those pocketed on the foul stroke are assessed for such infractions as failure to comply with rules for the break shot; touching the cue ball twice with the cue on the same stroke; pocketing the cue ball (“scratching”) or knocking it off the table; and failing either to pocket a ball, to drive an object ball to a cushion, or to drive the cue ball to a cushion after contacting an object ball. For a double foul on a single stroke, only one penalty is assessed,

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